pathways that were created by prior learning and enables
present-moment input to be integrated in a new way (Siegel,
2007a). Meditation also activates the brain region associated
with more adaptive responses to stressful or negative situations
(Cahn & Polich, 2006; Davidson et al., 2003). Activation of this
region corresponds with faster recovery to baseline after being
negatively provoked (Davidson, 2000; Davidson, Jackson, &
Kalin, 2000).

Relationship satisfaction. Several studies find that a
person’s ability to be mindful can help predict relationship
satisfaction — the ability to respond well to relationship stress
and the skill in communicating one’s emotions to a partner.
Empirical evidence suggests that mindfulness protects against
the emotionally stressful effects of relationship conflict (Barnes
et al., 2007), is positively associated with the ability to express
oneself in various social situations (Dekeyser el al., 2008) and
predicts relationship satisfaction (Barnes et al., 2007; Wachs &
Cordova, 2007).

Other benefits. Mindfulness has been shown to enhance self-insight, morality, intuition and fear modulation, all functions
associated with the brain’s middle prefrontal lobe area. Evidence

While many studies have been conducted on the benefits of
applying mindfulness approaches to psychotherapy clients (for
reviews, see Didonna, 2009 and Baer, 2006), research on the
effects of mindfulness on psychotherapists is just beginning to
emerge. Specifically, research has identified these benefits for
psychotherapists who practice mindfulness meditation:

Empathy. Several studies suggest that mindfulness
promotes empathy. One study, for example, looked at